Comprehensive legislation was introduced Wednesday in the Senate to reauthorize and expand the Older Americans Act, the landmark law that supports Meals on Wheels and other essential programs for seniors. Sen. Bernie Sanders, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, introduced the bill with 14 co-sponsors.

"Millions of seniors today are hurting financially and we must give them the support they need to stay healthy in their homes and communities," said Sanders. The Older Americans Act has saved taxpayer dollars, he stressed, by reducing health care expenses. "Investing in proper nutrition saves the government money by keeping people out of emergency rooms and hospitals and allows them to stay at home where they want to be."